The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, showcases SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for disaster resilience and community protection for all its projects.
Initially conceived as a pioneering mixed-use development on
reclaimed land spearheaded by the Philippine government, it has evolved into a
benchmark of safety and stability, fulfilling the vision of founder Henry Sy,
Sr., who aspired to create “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to
millions.”
Expanding on his father’s vision, Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive
Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations
Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), emphasizes the importance of
creating resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize both safety and
community well-being.
"We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving
communities," Mr. Sy states. In affirmation of this belief, he stands as
the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.
Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country’s 157-member-strong premier private
sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future.
The organization, the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to
minimize disaster-related loss of life, ensure investments and assets are
risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural
and man-made hazards.
SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is evident in the very design
of the MOA Complex, which incorporates cutting-edge disaster resilience
features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal
location.
Before construction began, SM Prime engaged the
expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian coastal development company. Their
extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the project, taking
into account the complex interplay of land and sea. To create a resilient
structure, the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components
are incorporated: Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This
meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure, completed
in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time and nature.
One of the key challenges addressed was soil
erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a sophisticated system of wick
drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil,
effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This
technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a
significantly higher degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction
during seismic events.
The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon
where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was
also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles,
combined with precise excavation methods, provide the complex with robust
resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.
Reference
photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil
liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes.
To protect against storm surges, a common
threat in coastal areas, the complex boasts a robust seawall. This seawall,
standing 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark, is
further reinforced by a wave return feature. This inverted structure deflects
high waves back towards the sea, minimizing their impact on the complex. A
network of drainage channels further enhances flood prevention during storm
surges.
These features were instrumental in protecting
the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as in all succeeding severe weather
disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed
while helping nearby areas avoid being
inundated by prolonged deep flooding.
The wave
return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from
high waves.
The
Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the
structure from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels
along the MOA Complex are wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping
prevent flooding from storm surges.
The complex's resilience extends beyond its
foundation. The main road and all structures are elevated significantly above
the National Building Code requirements, further minimizing the risk of
flooding. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI)
that monitor seismic activity and provide valuable data for disaster
preparedness.
The structural integrity of the buildings
themselves is also paramount. The roof deck, for instance, is designed to withstand
substantial loads, ensuring it can serve as a safe refuge during emergencies. The exterior façade is concrete masonry walls
with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), designed to withstand wind
speeds of up to 270 kph and provide excellent insulation. This commitment to
safety transforms SM Supermalls like the SM MOA into havens for the community
during times of crisis.
SM Prime's dedication to disaster resilience is
not merely a response to potential threats; it is a proactive strategy
integrated into the DNA of all its
business operations. The company automatically allocates a significant
portion of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and
construction, recognizing that investing in safety is an investment in the
future.
SM Prime's longstanding reputation as a responsible property developer is built not only on its contributions to the country’s economic growth and the creation of dynamic lifestyle destinations, but also on its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the communities it serves. The MOA Complex stands as a powerful symbol of this commitment, a beacon of resilience in the face of natural adversity.
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